As part of an on-going collaborative project, with DSTL and the MOD, PNDC has utilised our Power Hardware in the Loop test-bed capability to test and develop the flywheel, demonstrating an energy storage option for the Royal Navy’s most advanced ships.
The Flywheel Energy Storage System (FESS) uses innovative high-speed & lightweight flywheels to provide high-power electrical pulses that these future systems require, reducing the impact of these systems to the rest of the ship, while avoiding the widely reported safety concern around battery-based systems.
Kyle, who is leading the project for PNDC said:
“This project gave us a great opportunity to showcase the Power Hardware in the Loop (PHIL) test-bed that we’ve developed at PNDC. This test bed lets us connect real-world hardware, like the FESS, to simulated naval platforms to evaluate the impact on the ship during different operational scenarios. This testing can accelerate equipment development, de-risk integration challenges, and limit the need for costly shore demonstrators. In the case of the flywheel the 2-stage testing at PNDC, and coordinated product development with the supplier, has resulted in a significant improvement in the responsiveness and stability of the FESS system.” – Kyle Jennett, PNDC MOD programme Technical Lead.
Find out more about the project by watching the video below.